BREAKING:

Stabbing victim in critical condition

October 8, 2009 1:27 pm

A female UCLA student is in critical condition after being stabbed by a male student during a chemistry lab on the sixth floor of Young Hall today, sources said at the scene of the incident. The stabbing occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m.

Counselors are standing by to speak with and console any traumatized students who may have witnessed the stabbing.

The suspect has been taken into custody, according to university police spokeswoman Nancy Greenstein. The suspect turned himself in, and the victim was taken away from Young Hall in an ambulance.

Authorities have not released the name of the victim or the name of the suspect. The victim was last listed as in critical condition, though no further information has been released regarding her condition.

According to a statement released by the university, the victim and the suspect worked together in a chemistry lab on campus. The Los Angeles Police Department is currently working with university police to confirm the details of the stabbing. The order of events leading up to the stabbing has not been confirmed.

A press conference was held at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center around 3 p.m. today, following the incident.

“We’re not going to go into a lot of detail because we don’t want to hamper the investigation,” said Lt. Martha Moran, who spoke at the press conference on behalf of LAPD.

Thirty to 40 students were reported to be on the scene of the incident.

The object used in the stabbing has not been confirmed, and it is unclear whether the victim’s parents have been notified.

Students were present during the stabbing, and counselors are currently at Young Hall to console those who may have been traumatized after witnessing the scene. A few students who witnessed the attack were seen standing in a small group as counselors approached them.

If students wish to speak with counselors, they are available at Counseling and Psychological Services in the Wooden Center.

Peter Kassel, the director of training at Counseling and Psychological Services, said students might experience “delayed onset (grief).” He said that shocking events may sometimes cause students to feel numb at first, and such a reaction is completely normal. Other physical reactions may include nausea and shaking.

Students may experience several stages of grief, the durations of which may vary from student to student, said Andrew Felder, another psychologist at the scene.

The sixth floor of Young is currently cordoned off, as UCPD and LAPD continue investigations. All chemistry classes are continuing on other floors of Young Hall.

Community service officers, administration representatives and chemistry professors are also at the scene.

If any information is available regarding the incident, contact UCPD at (310) 825-9371. The Counseling and Psychological Services center can be reached at (310) 825-0768.